The red kettles that are the Salvation Army’s holiday trademark are now out with bell ringers for Christmas in July.

This first local midsummer fund drive is on, Maj. Raymond Pruitt said, because he has not seen such a need for help in his six years with the Frederick office. Requests for aid are up 10 to 15 percent this summer, compared with years past.

Requests usually drop off in spring, pick up in the fall and peak in the winter, he said.

“Not this year,” he said. “It’s unemployment, underemployment.”

The Salvation Army provides financial assistance, social services, energy assistance, clothing, medicine, seasonal help and camps.

The Frederick Salvation Army’s fiscal 2011 budget of $1.1 million spent $706,790 on programs and expenses, $314,634 on 12 staff, and $111,554 on payments to headquarters, according to the annual report.

Saturday, a placard at the Salvation Army thrift store at 919 N. East St. said: “Welcome to Christmas in July — All clothing $1.”